Under the other conditions, SeaWorld could not house any orcas captured in the wild after February 2014 at its San Diego location, with the exception of rescued killer whales approved by one or more government agencies for rehabilitation or deemed as unfit for release into the wild.
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The $100 million plan to double the theme park’s killer whale habitat must pass muster with the commission, which is scheduled to consider the proposal at what is expected to be a packed hearing October. 8 at its Long Beach meeting.
In a victory for SeaWorld, the staff of the California Coastal Commission has recommended the approval of a permit to build an expanded holding facility for the theme park’s killer whales, despite opposition from animal rights groups.
Animal rights groups – who have been trying for years to get the orcas released into the wild – contend that under the SeaWorld plan the whales might have larger tanks, but are still captive.
According to Noaki Schwartz, a spokesperson for the agency, thousands have written letters and emails to the commission, majority opposing the Blue World Project.
SeaWorld has faced heated criticism and declining business since the 2013 documentary “Blackfish” presented a dim view of how the company treats orcas.
According to the SeaWorld’s Blue World Project, it is planning to draw two orca pools, one containing 5.2 million gallons of water and another with 450,000 gallons. Since then, stocks have dropped 50 percent for the company and attendance has declined, most especially for SeaWorld San Diego which is trailing behind all other SeaWorld theme parks.
She said: “This is not limiting them in any way”.
People showed their anger against the SeaWorld’s new project saying that Orcas should not be caught in tanks; they should thrive in seaside sanctuaries in open sea.
Experts with the California Coastal Commission issued a report in favor of allowing SeaWorld to go ahead with its so-called Blue World Project on several conditions, officials said.
“This revolutionary project reflects our ongoing commitment to the health and welfare of our killer whales, allows us to enhance educational programs for our guests and students, and provides even greater research opportunities for scientists to help protect whales in the wild”, SeaWorld said in a prepared statement.
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“A stamp of approval on SeaWorld’s newest orca prison would be bad for the orcas and for California”, said Jared Goodman, director of animal law for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation.
